Departure and Background
A private pilot and a passenger departed an airport for an unknown destination. The aircraft had been recently purchased and had not flown for several months. During that period, the aircraft was parked outside, and 5.5 inches of rain had fallen in the previous 41 days.
Refueling and Preflight
Prior to departure, the aircraft was refueled. The fueler observed the pilot sitting inside the aircraft during refueling, reading a map. The fueler did not see the pilot conduct a preflight inspection and noted that the aircraft was very dirty. The fuel filler caps were of the thermos cap style, recessed into wells in the wing surface.
Power Loss and Maneuver
During the takeoff and initial climb, the pilot reported to the tower, "My engine keeps cutting in and out." The controller cleared the pilot to land on any runway. The pilot completed a 180-degree turn back toward the runway, but the aircraft struck a power pole located off the end and below the runway surface.
Post-Crash Fire and Findings
The aircraft was consumed by a post-crash fire. No mechanical malfunction or failure was found. The Federal Aviation Administration Service Difficulty Reports noted 20 instances of water contamination of fuel in this model aircraft between January 1, 1986, and September 10, 1992. Of these, four were associated with leakage through loose fuel caps. Sunset occurred at 1712 Pacific Standard Time.